A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Crossman family of England.
Reg. 3294 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a cross ermines betw. four escallops sa”
SomersetSomerset, c. 1620
Where the Crossman Arms Were Recorded
Somerset
Map of England showing where the Crossman arms are recorded
The Crossman arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1620.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Crossman arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Somerset.
Origin & History of the Crossman Family in England
The surname Crossman is a locative name, meaning it was originally used to identify people who lived near a prominent landmark. In the case of this family, the name likely referred to someone who resided near a stone cross or a crossroads in the English countryside. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Crossman family were well-established in the county of Somerset. During this period, the family was deeply rooted in the agricultural life of the region, often working as yeoman farmers who held their own land. As the seventeenth century progressed, the name became increasingly common across southwestern England, reflecting the steady growth and local influence of these early settlers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Crux
A Latin term meaning a cross or a gibbet.
This name
CrossmanA person who lived near a roadside cross or a maker of crosses.
also spelled
Crosmane
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Somerset Archives, Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
